Country profile: intellectual and developmental disability in Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a contextual and general overview of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a chronological approach, providing an assessment of the understanding and treatment of people with IDD from the pre-colonial era to the present. Findings Nigeria has experienced a different historical path in terms of treatment and service provision for people with IDD compared to industrialised and developing countries such as the UK and Brazil. Originality/value Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with an emerging economy and thus important to review the treatment and social inclusion of people with IDD in the country’s development.